Christian David Gebauer

Christian David Gebauer; caricature by unknown artist (c. 1800)

Christian David Gebauer (15 October 1777 – 15 September 1831) was a Danish animal and landscape painter. He was also known for etchings.

Biography Gebauer was born in Neusalz an der Oder. His father was superintendent of the Moravian Church. When he was still very young, his family moved to Christiansfeld in Schleswig. Although his father had wanted him to become a priest, he contracted measles at the age of three and his hearing was permanently damaged.

After he displayed some talent for drawing, it was decided that he should enroll at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied with C.A. Lorentzen. His primary inspiration, however, came from the Dutch Masters. He exhibited his student works, a mix of ink drawings and oils, and captured the attention of Nicolai Abildgaard. Shortly after, Count Reventlow became his sponsor.

During 1807, the beginning of the Gunboat War aroused his interest in battle painting, so he applied for Royal travel benefits, which were eventually granted. In 1813, he used some of his money to travel to Germany, where he witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Dresden.